Dubbo MP praises firies

VOLUNTEER firefighters in western NSW have been put on a pedestal by a grateful Dubbo MP Troy Grant.

He said words could not adequately convey his respect and admiration for the men and women of the NSW Rural Fire Service in their battle against blazes this summer, particularly near Coonabarabran.

The MP, who visited the Orana Fire Control Centre on Sunday, has again thanked the firefighters for their preparedness and bravery.

In the wake of the fire that destroyed 40,000 hectares west of Coonabarabran, Mr Grant suggested volunteers were stepping up to treacherous and daunting conditions many of them would never have encountered before.

"To see our local brigades and volunteers ready and prepared is very reassuring and we thank them so much," he said.

"It is a credit to them... that they are prepared to go that extra yard to protect us."